The delay of GTA 6 has sparked a range of reactions across the gaming industry, with EA expressing optimism about their upcoming Battlefield release, while other developers are adjusting their strategies accordingly. Dive deeper into EA's perspective on their game's launch and explore how various developers are responding to the GTA 6 delay.
GTA 6 Delay Effects and Reactions
Battlefield Release Window "Clearer Than It Was Before"
Following the announcement of GTA 6's delay, EA has solidified the release window for their much-anticipated title, Battlefield. In their Q4 and FY 2025 Earnings Conference Call on May 6, EA CEO Andrew Wilson confirmed that Battlefield is slated for release in March 2026. Wilson expressed increased confidence in this timeline, noting that the delay of GTA 6 positions Battlefield favorably.
When questioned about how major releases impact other game launches, Wilson highlighted the difficulty in advancing release dates. He emphasized that few companies could shift their schedules to avoid GTA 6's original window, but EA is pleased with how events have unfolded, allowing Battlefield to hit the market two months before GTA 6.
The gaming industry has long grappled with the optimal timing for game releases, especially in the shadow of GTA 6's first trailer release. With the delay, developers and publishers are recalibrating their plans, and EA feels confident in their strategic positioning.
Wilson elaborated, "Relative to Battlefield, what we have said all along is we’ve been building towards a window that we thought made the most sense for Battlefield. But we wouldn’t launch into a window that we thought truncated the value that we’ve invested into the franchise, or the value that we think our players will derive from it once they jump in and start playing."
He concluded that the "window is clearer than it was before," expressing satisfaction with Battlefield's March 2026 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Death Stranding 2 Will Come Out Regardless of GTA 6’s Release Window
In contrast, Death Stranding 2 (DS2) Director Hideo Kojima remains steadfast in his approach. During a Koji Pro radio broadcast, Kojima acknowledged that many companies typically adjust their release schedules to avoid clashing with GTA 6. He likened this to the film industry's response to major releases like Mission Impossible, stating, "For instance, if a new Mission Impossible movie were to release in May, others wouldn't be able to compete with that so would move somewhere else."
Despite this, Kojima affirmed that DS2's release date was set long ago and will proceed as planned. He mentioned hearing rumors that GTA 6 was slated for November, yet DS2 aims for a September release. With the game now 95% complete, Kojima is confident in meeting this timeline.
Other Developers Steer Clear, Devolver Digital Says Bring It On
For many developers, navigating around GTA 6's release window is crucial for their games' success. The Game Business Show reported in March that several game executives are prepared to adjust their release dates to avoid competing directly with GTA 6.
An anonymous executive remarked, "We will nudge our releases back or forward three weeks to avoid it. Of course, the problem is everyone is going to do the same. So three to four weeks before or after GTA 6, you’re going to get a load of games dropping content in what they believe will be the safe zone."
In a bold move, Cult of the Lamb publisher Devolver Digital has announced plans to release a game on the same day as GTA 6. While the specific title remains undisclosed, Devolver Digital's portfolio includes potential candidates like Cult of the Lamb, Inscription, Hotline Miami, or even a new IP.
The delay of GTA 6 has sent ripples through the gaming industry, prompting developers to rethink their release strategies. Some aim to steer clear, while others, like Devolver Digital, are ready to take on the challenge. GTA 6 is now scheduled for release on May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this highly anticipated title.
